Brenham, Texas (PRWEB) May 30, 2017 -- 152 years ago, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston and made a declaration of freedom ending the bondage of approximately 250,000 enslaved men, women and children in Texas. Since that time “Juneteenth” has been celebrated and remembered by picnics, parades, family reunions, pageants, barbecues and games.
Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site observe this important occasion—from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 24, 2017—by celebrating the rich African American heritage and culture of the Brazos Valley, past and present. This event will occur in the Visitor Center Complex, Conference Center and Education Center.
The new Juneteenth Heritage Celebration program will include artifact exhibits; art displays; prominent guest speakers such as historians, former athletes and genealogists; living history buffalo soldiers and cowboys; church choir performances; food; and more. Discount tour tickets for Independence Hall, Barrington Living History Farm and the Star of the Republic Museum are available.
Event Highlights
Hugh McElroy, first Black football player to start in a game for Texas A&M University in 1970; now Director of Development for College of Nursing & School of Public Health at Texas A&M Foundation
Dr. Andrew Torget, Professor of History at University of North Texas, author of Seeds of Empire: Cotton, Slavery, and the Transformation of the Texas Borderlands, 1800-1850
Stonehamville United Methodist Church (Plantersville, TX) Youth Choir
Mt. Rose Missionary Baptist Church (Brenham, TX) Men’s Choir
Chappell Hill History Society to display works of late African American artist Rev. Johnnie Swearingen
Buffalo Soldiers Heritage Program
Prairie View Trail Riders Association
BBQ and beverages available for purchase
Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site is found on the Brazos River at the original townsite of Washington, Texas, a major political and commercial center in early Texas. It is located at 23400 Park Road 12, Washington, TX, 77880—approximately halfway between Brenham and Navasota, off of State Hwy. 105. From Hwy. 105, follow either FM 912 or FM 1155 to Park Road 12. For additional information, call Jon Failor 936-878-2214 ext. 224 or visit http://www.wheretexasbecametexas.org.
- No admission charge; registration is not required.
- Standard hours of operation for the park are from 8am to sunset
- Please dress appropriately for the season and be prepared for the weather as parts of the event will take place outdoors.
- Leashed pets allowed in park.
- Accessible for the mobility impaired.
Jeanne Albrecht, Sellmark, +1 2103929047, [email protected]
Share this article